The receiver position may be one of the biggest question marks heading into spring practice. The Bears saw some big shake ups in the off-season, not only did Trent Shelton and Dominique Zeigler complete their eligibility, but also coach Harold Jackson and offensive GA Dave Nichol, who worked with inside receivers, are no longer with the program.

On the coaching side Baylor brought in two solid guys in Jason Phillips and Kasey Dunn.

Phillips comes to Baylor from Houston and will coach the inside receivers. He was an All-American at Houston and spent six years in the NFL. And Dunn was named Baylor outside receivers coach after spending the last three seasons at Arizona. He served as the Wildcats running backs coach, but was a three-time All-American receiver at Idaho and played one season in the NFL. Dunn will also be the special teams coordinator.

Now who will step up with the departure of one of Baylor's most prolific receiving duos is another question and one that may take some time to answer. With that said the Bears have a few experienced receivers ready to make the next step

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At this point David Gettis and Ernest Smith appear to be the one's figuring the most heavily in the mix to step up at the X and Z receiver positions. Once Gettis got that first catch under his belt he seemed to relax a little bit and at the end of the season saw his role increase. Ernest Smith much like Gettis showed he has the tools as part of the rotation in 2006.

Smith and Gettis both have tools unlike any other receivers on Baylor's roster. They are big, fast, and as athletic as anyone on the roster. Their talents are still raw, but whether they take over the positions left open by Zeigler and Shelton they will figure heavily into the mix at receiver.

Another sophomore receiver who will continue to start is Justin Fenty. The speedy slot came in the fall and took over the job against Washington St. He is second among the returning receivers in yardage (183) and receptions (19), and is the favorite to hold down a starting spot at little H.